The BRICS summit arrives in New Delhi this week as conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East cast long shadows over the global economy and intensify geopolitical tensions.

India, which will host the September 12-13 meeting of the bloc, has maintained a consistent stance across these crises: resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, protecting civilians, and keeping communication channels open.

Despite Western pressure, New Delhi has adhered to its policy choices, most notably in continuing purchases of Russian oil. The country has also engaged with both Moscow and Kiev, as well as nations on opposing sides of Middle East conflicts. This approach aligns with India’s longstanding emphasis on strategic autonomy—enabling the nation to make foreign policy decisions based on its own interests rather than aligning automatically with any geopolitical camp.

How is India engaging with Russia and Ukraine?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized this stance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek last week, stating that conflicts “cannot be resolved on the battlefield” and that dialogue and diplomacy are essential. He delivered the same message to Russian President Vladimir Putin during sideline discussions, discussing Middle East and Black Sea conflicts and reiterating the necessity of diplomatic solutions. Modi also called for a global shift from “endless war to the end of war,” which he stated benefits humanity.

Days later, S. Jaishankar, India’s foreign minister, made the first standalone bilateral visit to Ukraine (Kiev). The two sides discussed international peace efforts and potential Indian roles in resolving the crisis.

India has continued purchasing Russian oil despite Western pressure. During his trip to Kiev, Jaishankar argued that restricting oil purchases would not resolve the conflict: “This conflict will be solved by dialogue, by diplomacy, by negotiation,” he said. He added that New Delhi respects Ukraine’s perspective on energy matters and expects its position to be respected.

At the United Nations, India has maintained its consistent approach. The country abstained in February on a Ukrainian-backed UN General Assembly resolution demanding an immediate, complete, and unconditional ceasefire.

What is India’s position on the Middle East conflict?
India has adopted similar principles regarding the Middle East crisis triggered by U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran. During his meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek, Modi expressed concern over escalating tensions and reiterated that issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

He also prioritized keeping sea routes open, calling for freedom of navigation and commerce and stressing that civilians and civilian infrastructure—including commercial shipping and seafarers—must not be harmed. This issue is critical for India, as its energy supplies and trade heavily depend on maritime routes in the region.

On Israel and Palestine, New Delhi continues to support a negotiated two-state solution. Modi reiterated this stance in July, stating that India backs “the pursuit of lasting peace.” Much of this language has been integrated into BRICS discussions, emphasizing dialogue, civilian protection, sovereignty, international law, and safe maritime commerce.

What does India’s “diplomacy first” foreign policy provide?
India’s pragmatic diplomacy at BRICS, the SCO, and the UN has helped it avoid taking sides. This emphasis on diplomacy gives the nation flexibility in making its own foreign policy choices.

However, New Delhi has not shied away from condemning terrorism. At the SCO summit, Modi described it as a grave threat to humanity and urged members to dismantle networks for financing, recruitment, radicalization, and safe havens. He also emphasized that “there should be no double standards” in counter-terrorism efforts.

As BRICS leaders gather in New Delhi, India’s capacity to act as a stabilizing force amid escalating global tensions will be critical.